Thomas: Im Happy I Stayed

The former Arsenal trainee scored twice against West Ham to mark his return to the first-team fold, having been on the brink of leaving Charlton under former boss Reed.

He is now happy to be 'repaying the faith' shown in him by the new manager, Alan Pardew.

Thomas recalled: 'Les basically told me I was not needed at the club, which was disappointing because he was my manager at England youth level.

'I think Charlton and Fulham had got as far as agreeing a fee, but for some reason the deal did not go through.

'I am glad because I never wanted to leave and feel I can be a big success at Charlton.'

Thomas added: 'When Alan arrived, he told me to get fitter, work hard and improve on the defensive side of my game and that if I did, he would put me in the side - and he has kept his word.

'He saw me putting in extra running and training from the day he arrived at the club and I was glad to start repaying that faith, for him and the team.'

Thomas has just started to show his glittering form again after injuries had kept him out of past squads.

Judging by Thomas' comments of late he is fired up for the cause and he could play a massive part in our survival bid.

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